On some level, every music festival is a monumental event. Quite often itÃ¢â¬â¢s due to a few particularly momentous performances, instances where an artist produces an unprecedented display of power and purpose that elevates each fest to a for-the-books level of importance.

But sometimes, as with this yearÃ¢â¬â¢s 20th anniversary of Lollapalooza, history is just the bottom line to begin with. Whether or not the festivalÃ¢â¬â¢s creator, JaneÃ¢â¬â¢s Addiction vocalist Perry Farrell, intended it, this yearÃ¢â¬â¢s Lolla Ã¢â¬â held in ChicagoÃ¢â¬â¢s beautiful Grant Park for the seventh consecutive year Ã¢â¬â was loaded with bands and sets that placed the bar unbelievably high for similar world-class fests to come.

Click these links for reviews and photos from Day 1 and Day 2 of Lollapalooza 2011.

There were so many bands - Local Natives, Portugal. The Man, Explosions in the Sky Ã¢â¬â that ranked high on my OH-SNAP! List, but detailing every show would require me to write a novel. So take, for example, Arctic MonkeysÃ¢â¬â¢ early evening set on the third and final day. Though their show was delayed 30 minutes while acorn-sized raindrops pelted the masses, effectively transforming the grounds into a slippery, sludgy mud pit, the quartet played with previously unequalled energy and enthusiasm.

Frontman Alex Turner (now sporting an Elvis-y greaser haircut) actually seemed enlivened during the shortened set, whereas others might have grumbled. After the second rollicking tune, Ã¢â¬ÅBrianstorm,Ã¢â¬Â he stepped to the front of the stage with fists raised defiantly in the air, as if to say, "No rainstorm is going to steal this bandÃ¢â¬â¢s thunder.Ã¢â¬Â

But this festÃ¢â¬â¢s wow factor was instantaneous right from Day 1, which featured a titanic battle of Brits (Muse vs. Coldplay). ItÃ¢â¬â¢s rare that two of the worldÃ¢â¬â¢s most relevant and enthralling groups should play at the exact same moment, a testament to the pull of LollaÃ¢â¬â¢s past (and future) resumes.

Day 2 was punctuated by My Morning JacketÃ¢â¬â¢s monster of a show. The ranks of their crowd were positively dwarfed by the hordes that descended on the parkÃ¢â¬â¢s south end for Eminem, but the resulting ample space only made MMJÃ¢â¬â¢s two-hour set feel more intimate and genuine. Unlike Em, whose setlist matched his Bonnaroo appearance song for song, the Nashville quintet opted to throw in a couple lesser-aired tunes, Ã¢â¬ÅThe Way That He SingsÃ¢â¬Â and Ã¢â¬ÅDondante,Ã¢â¬Â to beef up the showÃ¢â¬â¢s midsection.

Even if those watching werenÃ¢â¬â¢t keen to these slight but significant alterations, it was impossible not to empathize with wild-maned singer-guitarist Jim James when he paused to gush after blazing through a newer cut, Ã¢â¬ÅOutta My System.Ã¢â¬Â Ã¢â¬ÅThis is so awesome that weÃ¢â¬â¢re here,Ã¢â¬Â he said with a slightly sheepish smile. Ã¢â¬ÅOne of my first concerts was Lollapalooza in 1994 in Cincinnati as a sophomore in high school.Ã¢â¬Â

I mentioned in my Day 1 coverage that it was these artists Ã¢â¬â those who are both extremely popular now and who, over time, have consistently contributed to the festival scene (like A Perfect CircleÃ¢â¬â¢s Maynard James Keenan) Ã¢â¬â that characterize the unmatched prowess of this 20-year-old shebang.

In this context, it was entirely appropriate Ã¢â¬â despite anyoneÃ¢â¬â¢s taste in music Ã¢â¬â that Foo Fighters should close out the massive event (which set an attendance record of 270,000 total patrons this year), seeing as ferociously talented Dave Grohl was scheduled to play Lollapalooza in 1994 as drummer for Nirvana. The performance was canceled on April 7 that year, exactly one day before Kurt Cobain was found dead in his Seattle home.

This performance, then, has been a long time coming for Grohl, and his apparent sense of exultation was plain to see in his fiercer-than-usual stage antics, which ebbed only once, when he stopped to comment during the soft intro of an electric-guitar-only rendition of "Times Like These."

"Then it f***in' starts raining, and it feels so f***in' good that it's the best show you've ever had," he said, referring to the torrential downpour that broke out seconds into "The Pretender" three songs into the set. "And then we're standing on stage, smiling at each other, because ... you guys are still here, and we're singing as hard as we can, and you guys are singing back with us, and it's ... a beautiful thing ... so I'm glad it rained like f***in crazy during that part of the set."

His joy seemed to extend to the rest of the band as they tore into an arsenal of increasingly classic rock staples (Ã¢â¬ÅMy Hero,Ã¢â¬Â Ã¢â¬ÅLearn to FlyÃ¢â¬Â and an extended jam through Ã¢â¬ÅStacked ActorsÃ¢â¬Â came early on) paired with new, scream- and riff-heavy ragers (Ã¢â¬ÅBridge Burning,Ã¢â¬Â Ã¢â¬ÅWhite LimoÃ¢â¬Â and Ã¢â¬ÅWalkÃ¢â¬Â elicited widespread dance parties and sing-a-longs). They may not have the visceral impact of Nirvana in its prime, but Foo Fighters continue to prove they have far surpassed the creative breadth and professional capacities of their grunge progenitors.

And from start to finish their earthshaking, mud-splattered set embodied LollapaloozaÃ¢â¬â¢s most outstanding quality: endurance. The fest wouldnÃ¢â¬â¢t have that without bands like Foos making prints in the sands of time as headliners, but Grohl Ã¢â¬â in a sort of keynote speech before the final, aptly selected tune, Ã¢â¬ÅEverlongÃ¢â¬Â Ã¢â¬â made it clear that this is a symbiotic relationship. Without musically inclined cities like Chicago and internationally acclaimed festivals like Lolla, there would likewise be no Foo Fighters, nor many of their forerunners.

Fans dance from an elevated portion of Perry's tent on Sunday at Lollapalooza in Chicago. DAVID HALL, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Foo Fighters close out the final two hours of Lollapalooza 2011 at Grant Park in Chicago. DAVID HALL, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Fans embrace the mud and each other on the final day of Lollapalooza 2011 at Grant Park in Chicago. DAVID HALL, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
A fan sports an imitation Deadmau5 mask toward the end of the evening Sunday at Lollapalooza in Chicago. DAVID HALL, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Fans of the Cool Kids go nuts in Perry's on Sunday at Lollapalooza in Chicago. DAVID HALL, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Fans show off a homemade bear-scepter on Sunday at Lollapalooza in Chicago. DAVID HALL, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
This fan decided to demonstrate the duck-and-cover move on Sunday at Lollapalooza in Chicago. DAVID HALL, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
A swarm of fans goes wild for the Cool Kids in Perry's tent on Sunday at Lollapalooza in Chicago. DAVID HALL, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
The Cool Kids perform Sunday at Lollapalooza in Chicago. DAVID HALL, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Chuck Inglish of the Cool Kids performs Sunday at Lollapalooza in Chicago. DAVID HALL, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
The Cool Kids get the party started in Perry's tent on Sunday at Lollapalooza in Chicago. DAVID HALL, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Chuck Inglish of the Cool Kids performs Sunday at Lollapalooza in Chicago. DAVID HALL, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
The Cool Kids' Mikey Rocks climbs part of the stage during the rap duo's performance Sunday at Lollapalooza in Chicago. DAVID HALL, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
The Cool Kids' Mikey Rocks performs Sunday at Lollapalooza in Chicago. DAVID HALL, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Dave Grohl of Foo Fighters busts a solo while running across the stage Sunday at Lollapalooza in Chicago. DAVID HALL, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Foo Fighters guitarist Pat Smear performs Sunday at Lollapalooza in Chicago. DAVID HALL, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl headbangs at the front of the stage on Sunday at Lollapalooza in Chicago. DAVID HALL, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl beams at the band's massive audience on Sunday at Lollapalooza in Chicago. DAVID HALL, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Dave Grohl of Foo Fighters goes nuts at the front of the stage on Sunday at Lollapalooza in Chicago. DAVID HALL, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Foo Fighters bassist Nate Mendel performs on Sunday at Lollapalooza in Chicago. DAVID HALL, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl headbangs at the front of the stage on Sunday at Lollapalooza in Chicago. DAVID HALL, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Fans get down at the barrier in Perry's tent on Sunday at Lollapalooza in Chicago. DAVID HALL, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Foo Fighters fans pose backstage next to one of the group's tour trucks on Sunday at Lollapalooza in Chicago. DAVID HALL, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
The Cars frontman Ric Ocasek performs on Sunday at Lollapalooza in Chicago. DAVID HALL, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
The Cars guitarist Elliot Easton peforms on Sunday at Lollapalooza in Chicago. DAVID HALL, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Ric Ocasek of the Cars performs on Sunday at Lollapalooza in Chicago. DAVID HALL, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
The Cars keyboardist Greg Hawkes performs on Sunday at Lollapalooza in Chicago. DAVID HALL, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
A fan of the Cars holds up a song-request-sign while videotaping on Sunday at Lollapalooza in Chicago. DAVID HALL, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
The Cars drummer David Robinson rocks out on Sunday at Lollapalooza in Chicago. DAVID HALL, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
The Cars guitarist Elliot Easton peforms on Sunday at Lollapalooza in Chicago. DAVID HALL, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
The Cars frontman Ric Ocasek performs on Sunday at Lollapalooza in Chicago. DAVID HALL, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
The Cars keyboardist Greg Hawkes performs on Sunday at Lollapalooza in Chicago. DAVID HALL, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
A fan shows off her creatively crafted hair curlers on Sunday at Lollapalooza in Chicago. DAVID HALL, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Fans sported crazy masks and costumes for Portugal. The Man's set on Sunday at Lollapalooza in Chicago. DAVID HALL, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Fans show off a homemade sign for Portugal. The Man on Sunday at Lollapalooza in Chicago. DAVID HALL, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Portugal. The Man frontman John Gourley performs on Sunday at Lollapalooza in Chicago. DAVID HALL, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Bassist Zachary Carothers performs with Portugal. The Man on Sunday at Lollapalooza in Chicago. DAVID HALL, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Bassist Zachary Carothers rocks out with Portugal. The Man on Sunday at Lollapalooza in Chicago. DAVID HALL, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Portugal. The Man's touring backup guitarist plays air-violin on Sunday at Lollapalooza in Chicago. DAVID HALL, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Portugal. The Man frontman John Gourley performs on Sunday at Lollapalooza in Chicago. DAVID HALL, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Fans cheer wildly for Portugal. the Man on Sunday at Lollapalooza in Chicago. DAVID HALL, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
A fan shows off her slinky on Sunday at Lollapalooza in Chicago. DAVID HALL, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Deadmau5 impersonators abounded on Sunday at Lollapalooza in Chicago. DAVID HALL, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
A Foo Fighters fanatic shows his excitement for the band's headlining performance on Sunday at Lollapalooza in Chicago. DAVID HALL, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Alex Turner of Arctic Monkeys performs on Sunday at Lollapalooza in Chicago. DAVID HALL, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Arctic Monkeys bassist Nick O'Malley performs on Sunday at Lollapalooza in Chicago. DAVID HALL, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Alex Turner of Arctic Monkeys rocks out on Sunday at Lollapalooza in Chicago. DAVID HALL, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Arctic Monkeys perform after a short delay due to heavy rain on Sunday at Lollapalooza in Chicago. DAVID HALL, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Alex Turner of Arctic Monkeys throws up his hands in triumph on Sunday at Lollapalooza in Chicago. DAVID HALL, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Arctic Monkeys frontman Alex Turner points to his voracious audience on Sunday at Lollapalooza in Chicago. DAVID HALL, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Arctic Monkeys perform on Sunday at Lollapalooza in Chicago. DAVID HALL, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Arctic Monkeys guitarist Jamie Cook performs on Sunday at Lollapalooza in Chicago. DAVID HALL, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Fans scream for Arctic Monkeys on Sunday at Lollapalooza in Chicago. DAVID HALL, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
A hardcore Arctic Monkeys fan goes crazy at the barrier on Sunday at Lollapalooza in Chicago. DAVID HALL, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Front-row fans get wild for Arctic Monkeys on Sunday at Lollapalooza in Chicago. DAVID HALL, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Two Arctic Monkeys fans sing heartily to one another during the band's set on Sunday at Lollapalooza in Chicago. DAVID HALL, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Fans begin to play in the mud after the day's first round of heavy rain on Sunday at Lollapalooza in Chicago. DAVID HALL, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Three fans give their friend a very muddy hug on Sunday at Lollapalooza in Chicago. DAVID HALL, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Some fans avoided giant puddles and mud while some jumped right in on Sunday at Lollapalooza in Chicago. DAVID HALL, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Munaf Rayani of Explosions in the Sky performs on Sunday at Lollapalooza in Chicago. DAVID HALL, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Michael James of Explosions in the Sky performs on Sunday at Lollapalooza in Chicago. DAVID HALL, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Mark Smith of Explosions in the Sky rocks out on Sunday at Lollapalooza in Chicago. DAVID HALL, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Munaf Rayani of Explosions in the Sky performs on Sunday at Lollapalooza in Chicago. DAVID HALL, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Fans attempt to avoid standing in large mud- and water-filled areas on Sunday at Lollapalooza in Chicago. DAVID HALL, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
A fan holds up a sign of encouragement during the afternoon's muddiest period on Sunday at Lollapalooza in Chicago. DAVID HALL, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Fans frolic in the mud and puddles on Sunday at Lollapalooza in Chicago. DAVID HALL, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Fans have a blast playing in the mud on Sunday at Lollapalooza in Chicago. DAVID HALL, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl smiles at the massive crowd on Sunday at Lollapalooza in Chicago. DAVID HALL, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl runs across the stage to incite the crowd on Sunday at Lollapalooza in Chicago. DAVID HALL, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl performs on Sunday at Lollapalooza in Chicago. DAVID HALL, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Foo Fighters guitarist Chris Shiflett performs on Sunday at Lollapalooza in Chicago. DAVID HALL, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Foo Fighters guitarist Pat Smear grins gleefully on Sunday at Lollapalooza in Chicago. DAVID HALL, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl grins fiendishly as he shreds on Sunday at Lollapalooza in Chicago. DAVID HALL, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Foo Fighters perform a hits-packed set on Sunday at Lollapalooza in Chicago. DAVID HALL, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Foo Fighters bassist Nate Mendel gets in the groove on Sunday at Lollapalooza in Chicago. DAVID HALL, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl lets out a primal wail on Sunday at Lollapalooza in Chicago. DAVID HALL, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins takes a piledriving solo on Sunday at Lollapalooza in Chicago. DAVID HALL, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl beckons to the thousands-deep fans on Sunday at Lollapalooza in Chicago. DAVID HALL, FOR THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

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